Students as fabricators

[DonRotolo]

Virtually everything on the robot is student-built. Mentors are really not allowed to do robot work (although we are free to build prototypes early in the season).

That means students need to be proficient with the tools. The only exceptions are the table saw (only adults) and our drivetrain side plates (Made by a sponsor).

Sure, some students use screwdrivers as a chisel, or a hammer. But the mentors try to discourage that... About 2/3 of the team works on the robot, all of them are proficient on most of the tools, and by the time they are Seniors they can use all of them - except that some are still scared of that chop saw (and for good reason). The rest are non-technical, and don't use tools generally.

Only 2 or 3 students learn how to use the lathe, mostly because we don't use it that much. Same with soldering. We don't have a welder.

We have a small lathe, 2 bandsaws, 3 drill presses, a sander (that sees way too much use), 2 chop saws and lots of small power tools, along with 3 sets of hand tools.

My goal in life is to get a few students each year who also understand how to care for and adjust these tools. I'm usually successful.